Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in the airplane’s empennage impacting the runway surface during landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while in the landing flare, about 5 to 7 ft above ground level, the airplane “suddenly dropped” to the ground and the airplane’s tail struck the runway. The pilot then taxied the airplane to parking uneventfully. During a subsequent inspection of the airplane, the pilot and a mechanic found that the airplane’s empennage had sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA22LA195 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 18, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Carlisle, Pennsylvania
- Nearest airport
- Carlisle Airport (N94)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Piper PA-32
- N-number
- N4468X
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1976
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.